We have a large collection of netsukes in our March auction. Netsukes originated in 17th century Japan during the Edo period as a fashionable and practical accessory to men’s pocketless kimonos. Designed as a counter weight to the inro, which functioned as a small pocket or pouch, they hung from kimono sashes, or obis, by cords. Originally a simply carved wooden button, they evolved into ornately crafted, miniature works of art. Limited only by the requirements of being small, with a space through which to pass a cord, and with no protuberances which would damage a kimono, they differed in style, subject and material according to the imagination of the artist. Our selection of erotic netsuke are highly collectible pieces, many signed. Featuring graphic, often humorous depictions of sexual groupings, they had the benefit of being small and discreet – often showing innocent scenes, until they were turned over to display their true intention!
The art presented in this auction runs the gamut from antique portraits from as early as the mid 19th C, to MCM abstract works from the 60’s, but is primarily a fine collection of Canadian paintings in oil and original British water colours. Adam Sherriff Scott was born in Scotland in 1887 and died in Quebec in 1980. He settled with his parents in Manitoba in 1912 where he made a living painting mural sized scenes of western Canada, which were used to sell real estate. In 1915 he moved to Montreal where he became associated with the Beaver Hall group of painters – widely considered as second in importance to only the Group of Seven as a major Canadian art movement. As well as landscapes and portraits, he was primarily known for his vividly produced historical scenes and murals. He was often commissioned for painting that were then reproduced in more commercial formats such as books and calendars. Heffels recently sold five of his paintings, which had been commissioned for the Hudson Bay’s Company calendars, in their “Legacy Through Art” auction, of the Hudson Bay Collection. Two of Scott’s paintings, estimated at $7000-$9000 and $6000-$8000 sold for $361,250 and $97,250 respectively.
Will Olgivie was born in South Africa in 1901, and came to Canada in 1925. He joined the Canadian army in 1940 and was commissioned as the first Official War Artist, in 1942. His first significant painting was created on the battlefield as a battle raged around him. Starting in 1943 he was in Italy and Europe, creating paintings of the ruined buildings at Caen in Normandy, the Falaise Gap, as well as paintings of refugees, with many of his paintings now being exhibited at the National War Museum in Ottawa. He returned to Canada after the war where he taught at OCA from 1947-57, and received the Order of Canada in 1979.
To round out the eclectic selection of items in our March auction, we have the first installment of a significant Parkhurst hockey card collection. Before 1951 hockey cards were a relatively rare phenomenon, and the Parkhurst 1951-52 set is considered the first of the modern era of trading cards. “Parkies” as they were known, were invaluable to fans in this pre-television era, as there was often no other way to actually see what their hockey heroes looked like! We have many cards from this series, with several graded cards, including Maurice Richard and George Armstrong rookie cards. Other iconic names from hockey history on offer are Tim Horton, Jean Beliveau and Doug Harvey. Although mostly ungraded, our photos are extremely good representations of the condition of the card, and as always we are happy to have in person previews for any of our items.
Look forward to seeing some of you at preview in Brantford!
Please call Barry at 519-803-3945 to make an appointment if you would like to preview this auction.
